Modelling the propagation pathway of street-traffic noise: practical comparison of German guidelines and real-world measurements

In Germany, several guidelines were developed to model the noise propagation pathway. The study compares the guidelines DIN 18005, RLS-90 and VDI 2714, all of which provide some kind of sound object line source suited to model street traffic noise. Differences between those guidelines are explained, and their effect on practical calculations is shown in a real-world situation, National Road N4, in Arlon, Belgium. Calculated results are compared to measurements made on critical points along the road. The paper emphasises the understanding of the inner workings of models. In order to avoid differences in calculated results due to software design methods applied, all calculations are made using one single commercially available simulation program. Additionally, this allows for a test of guideline sensitivity to changes in input parameters.